Degrees For A Career In Early Childhood Education

A degree path towards a career in early childhood education typically involves on of the following options:

• A two-year associate degree from a junior or community college, or online program.
• A four-year bachelor’s degree in early childhood education.
• And a master’s degree taken upon completion of a bachelor’s degree.

The path you choose depends entirely on what type of career you are aiming for and what type of career growth you are looking for within early childhood education.

Jobs In Early Childhood Education

Early childhood education refers to the formal education and development of young children, typically before elementary school. Those seeking careers within this field require training and an educational background that focuses on child development and behavior before the age of six. However, early childhood education can also be defined as any child under the age of eight. Jobs found within this industry include:

• Preschool teachers
• Teaching assistants
• Kindergarten teachers
• Education administrators

Instruction and career within early childhood education is typically found in one of the following institutions:

• Preschools
• Kindergartens
• Primary schools
• Elementary schools
• Children centers
• Early childhood programs
• Childhood development programs
• Tutoring centers
• Daycares

Associate Degrees In Early Childhood Education

An associate degree is the quickest degree path towards a career in early childhood education. These two-year programs are typically offered at junior and community colleges, and can also be obtained through online programs. Areas of study for an associate degree for early childhood education include:

• Early childcare development
• Child development
• Early childhood education

An associate degree often leads to positions requiring supervision from individuals with higher qualifications. For example, a position as a teaching aid or assistant in a preschool classroom can be obtained with an associate degree. However, this position is supervised by a preschool teacher with a four-year bachelor’s degree and other appropriate credentials.

Bachelor Degree In Early Childhood Education

For those who wish to take on a larger role in early childhood education, a four-year bachelor’s degree is the next degree path available. Most universities offer undergraduate programs that focus primarily on early childhood education, or childhood development. Those who wish to teach within a school setting are typically required to obtain a teaching credential within their state. However, non-public institutions may offer teaching positions with different requirements. Some private schools may require instructors to hold a master’s degree, while others may accept a two-year associates degree along with several years of experience within the field. Other private schools may offer employment to those who do not have the appropriate credential to teach in a public school setting, as long as the potential candidate begins the credentialing process within his/her first year of tenure.

Master’s Degree In Early Childhood Education

Those seeking a position in early childhood education management should choose a master’s degree path for their formal education. A person who pursues a master’s degree for this field is typically aiming for a position within a school or program's administration. This includes principals, vice-principals, directors and administrators within schools or daycare facilities. Others who might wish to pursue a master’s degree in early childhood education include elementary teachers who wish to enhance their teaching capabilities, while taking part in continuing education that most private schools and public school district’s require.

A master's degree in early childhood education falls under the master of education curriculum at most schools. While early childhood education is a typical area of concentration for a master's degree in education, other concentrations of study include:

• Language and literacy
• Counselor education
• Adult education
• Learning and teaching
• Special studies
• Teacher education program
• Education policy and management

Bottom Line

No matter which degree path you choose, understand that a career in early childhood education not only focuses on enhancing a child’s scholastic skills, but also the social and behavioral development of young children. A child’s first years within the education system are important ones, where the foundation of their development within society begins. This requires dedicated professionals with the proper credentials, background, training and motivation to make a difference in a child's life.